44% of Americans Expect Jobless Rate to Rise in 2025

4.6%

According to the New York Fed’s March 2025 Survey of Consumer Expectations, 44.0% of Americans predict that the U.S unemployment rate is projected to reach its highest level in the coming year since April 2020. The expected likelihood of losing a job also rose to 15.7%, while confidence in finding a new job dropped to 51.1%. Despite the U.S. adding 228,000 jobs in March and unemployment ticking up slightly to 4.2%, fears of a recession—fueled by trade tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports and retaliatory 125% tariffs on U.S. goods—continue to weigh on the job market outlook.

70%

More than 70% of organizations plan to maintain or increase intern hiring for 2024–2025, though overall numbers may dip by 3% due to cuts from larger firms, per NACE’s latest report. Employers prioritize key skills and prior internship experience, with hybrid programs becoming the norm. In-person recruiting remains more effective than virtual methods, and relocation support continues to improve applicant quality. Despite strong internship programs, full-time offer rates have dropped to a five-year low of 62%.

83%

As per Monster’s latest report, due to job market instability, the graduates of 2025 express both optimism and caution about job prospects. While 83% of grads feel confident about landing a job, many expect a 4–6 month search. Economic concerns, AI’s growing role, and job security are top worries, though today’s grads are values-driven and actively exploring broader opportunities and industries.

$100,000

A recent Lending Tree report reveals that in 25 major U.S. metros, a $100,000 salary no longer covers basic expenses for a family of three, especially in cities like San Jose, where families can fall over $2,200 short monthly. Once seen as a symbol of financial success, $100K is losing its magic as costs rise and wages struggle to keep up. Many workers now find it difficult to save, start families, or even meet essential needs.

1,500

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is slashing 90% of its workforce, cutting around 1,500 employees and leaving just 200 staff. The layoffs were announced on April 17, giving affected workers only 24 hours before system access was revoked. Despite opposition from unions and ongoing legal challenges, the decision remains in effect.